WO2014099184A1 - Power generation system and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A power generation system (100, 200, 300) having a first vessel (10, 210), a second vessel (20, 220), a pump (30, 231, 232) operatively connected to the first vessel (10, 210) and the second vessel (20, 220), and a turbine manifold assembly (80, 280) operatively connected to the first vessel (10, 210) and the second vessel (20,220) is provided. The pump creates a positive pressure in the first vessel to force a fluid in a first direction (54) through the turbine manifold assembly and into the second vessel to a pre-determined level. Once the fluid reaches the pre-determined level in the second vessel, the pump creates a positive pressure in the second vessel to force the fluid in an opposing second direction (53) through the turbine manifold assembly and back into the first vessel to complete a cycle. Associated methods and a turbine manifold assembly are also provided.

Description

POWER GENERATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from pending U.S. Patent Application 13/721,782, filed on December 20, 2012, the disclosure of which is included by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to power generation systems, and, more specifically, to power generation systems using positive and negative fluid pressure to rotate a turbine and generate electrical energy.

Description of Related Art

[0003] Energy and power generation are a necessity in today's global market, and most current methods, such as oil, gas, and coal can be harmful to the environment, but are certainly limited in total available resource. Over the past few decades, the world has been striving to develop cleaner and more efficient methods of energy production and consumption to reduce costs associated with energy production and consumption. However, the United States and other countries are still dependent on conventional methods of power generation. Thus, a need exists for an apparatus and method for a power generation system and method that utilize a pressurized, contained system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A first aspect relates generally to a turbine manifold assembly comprising a turbine, a first directional flow valve in fluid communication with the turbine, and a second directional flow valve in fluid communication with the turbine, wherein the first directional flow valve cooperates with the second directional flow valve to create: a first pathway for a fluid to enter a first vessel in a first direction, and a second pathway for fluid to enter a second vessel in an opposing second direction, wherein the turbine continuously rotates in a single direction as the fluid moves through the first pathway and the second pathway.

[0005] A second aspect relates generally to a power generation system comprising a first vessel, a second vessel, a pump operatively connected to the first vessel and the second vessel, and a turbine manifold assembly operatively connected to the first vessel and the second vessel, wherein the pump creates a positive pressure in the first vessel to force a fluid in a first direction through the turbine manifold assembly and into the second vessel, for example, to a predetermined level, for example, by a negative pressure in the second vessel, wherein, once the fluid reaches the pre-determined level in the second vessel, the pump creates a positive pressure in the second vessel to force the fluid in an opposing second direction through the turbine manifold assembly and back into the first vessel, for example, by a negative pressure in the first vessel to complete a cycle.

[0006] A third aspect relates generally to a power generation system

comprising a first vessel, a second vessel, a first pump operatively connected to the first vessel, a second pump operatively connected to the second vessel, and a turbine manifold assembly operatively connected to the first vessel and the second vessel, wherein the first pump creates a positive pressure in the first vessel to force a fluid in a first direction through the turbine manifold assembly and into the second vessel, for example, to a pre-determined level, for example, by a negative pressure in the second vessel created by the second pump, wherein, once the fluid reaches the pre-determined level, a positive pressure is created in the second vessel by the second pump to force the fluid in a second direction through the turbine manifold assembly and back into the first vessel by, for example, a negative pressure in the first vessel created by the first pump to complete a cycle.

[0007] A fourth aspect relates generally to a method of power generation comprising utilizing a positive pressure and, for example, a negative pressure in a contained system to create a continuous flow of a fluid in a first direction and an opposing second direction to generate an electrical current, wherein the continuous flow of the fluid in the first direction and the opposing second direction rotates a turbine in a single direction to generate the electrical current.

[0008] A fifth aspect relates generally to a method of power generation comprising providing a first vessel, a second vessel, a pump, and a turbine manifold assembly, wherein the first vessel and the second vessel are operatively connected to the turbine manifold assembly, creating a positive pressure in the first vessel and a negative pressure in the second vessel to force a fluid in a first direction through the turbine manifold assembly and into the second vessel to, for example, a pre-determined level, and after the fluid reaches, for example, the pre-determined level in the second vessel, creating a positive pressure in the second vessel and a negative pressure in the first vessel to force the fluid in an opposing direction through the turbine manifold assembly and back into the first vessel to complete a cycle.

[0009] The foregoing and other features of construction and operation will be more readily understood and fully appreciated from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:

[0011] FIG. l depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of a power generation system;

[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the power generation system shown in FIG. l;

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a first vessel having a first embodiment of a separator; [0014] FIG. 4 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the first vessel having a second embodiment of the separator;

[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a second vessel having a first embodiment of the separator;

[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the second vessel having a second embodiment of the separator;

[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of the power generation system;

[0018] FIG. 8 depicts a schematic view of a third embodiment of the power generation system;

[0019] FIG. 9A depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a turbine manifold assembly spinning in a first direction; and

[0020] FIG. 9B depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the turbine manifold assembly spinning in a second direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] A detailed description of the hereinafter-described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present disclosure. [0022] As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] Referring to the drawings, FIGS, l and 2 depict an embodiment of a power generation system 100. Power generation system 100 may generate electricity through a continuous movement of fluid through and/or between the components of the power generation system 100. For instance, embodiments of the power generation system 100 may utilize a continuous flow of fluid through a turbine manifold assembly 8o to actuate a power generator 50, such as a turbine, wherein the system 100 can be a contained, pressured, system. Furthermore, system 100 and all or some of its components may be in communication with each other through a computing system (not shown), and may be connected to a network for Internet access, remote operation, etc.

[0024] Embodiments of system 100 may include a first vessel 10, a second vessel 20, a pump 30, and a turbine manifold assembly 80 having a manifold 65 and turbine 50, which may utilize a negative and a positive pressure in a pressurized, contained system to continuously rotate the turbine 50 for power generation, for example, electrical power generation by generator 90 (see FIG. 2) operatively connected to turbine 50. The power generated by generator 90 is represented by arrow 92 in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 may be housed in a structure or housing 5, for example, in one aspect, a portable or movable structure 5 adapted to be transported by or provide a source of power to a vehicle (not shown).

[0025] Embodiments of the power generation system 100 may include first vessel 10. Embodiments of a first vessel 10 may be a container, a tank, a reservoir, receptacle, basin, bottle, an air-controlled vessel, and the like, configured to hold, store, contain, accept, etc., a volume of a fluid. The size, thickness, and dimensions of the first vessel 10 may depend on the application, such as, the desired output of the turbine, or comparable power generator, and the pressure produced within the vessel 10. For instance, embodiments of the first vessel 10 may have various shapes and cross-sections, such as circular, rectangular, cylindrical, oval, egg-shaped, and the like, for example, to prevent collapse or explosion of the vessel 10. Moreover, embodiments of the first vessel 10 may be sealed and pressurized. Embodiments of the first vessel 10 may be comprised of various materials, such as conductive and non-conductive materials, metals, composites, hard plastics, and the like, that are capable of pressurization and general withstanding of dynamic loads produced by the flowing fluids moving through the first vessel 10. Furthermore, embodiments of the first vessel 10 may have a first end 11 and a second end 12. The first end 11 may be in closer proximity to a pump 30 of system 100 than the second end 12, while the second end 12 may be in closer proximity to a turbine manifold assembly 80 of system 100. Embodiments of the first vessel 10 may further include a sensor or switch 15 proximate, at, or otherwise near the first end 11 of the first vessel 10 to monitor, sense, detect, determine, etc. a fluid level, a pressure, and/or a temperature within the first vessel 10, wherein the sensor or switch 15 may be configured to actuate and/or regulate the pump 30 or other component(s) of system 100. Alternatively, or in addition to the sensor or switch 15, embodiments of the first vessel 10 may include one or more sensors (not shown) within the first vessel 10 to monitor, detect, control, report, analyze, etc. data about the fluid within the system 100, including the first vessel 10, such as a fluid level, a pressure, and/or a temperature. The sensor(s) could also be configured to actuate and/or regulate the pump 30, or other component(s) of system 100. Even further, embodiments of the first vessel 10 may be equipped with a vacuum and pressure gauge or sensor to determine, monitor, and control the amount of positive and negative pressure within the first vessel 10, wherein the gauges(s) are in communication (for example, over computer network or interface) with other sensors, gauges, switches, and the like of the system 100.

[0026] As also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, system 100 typically includes one or more conduits 70 and one or more conduits 71 adapted to pass a fluid, for example, a liquid, between first vessel 10 and second vessel 20, respectively, and turbine manifold assembly 80, for example, to and from manifold 65. In one aspect, conduits 70 and 71 may be in fluid communication with the bottom of first vessel 10 and second vessel 20, respectively for example, below fluid levels 72 and 73 (shown in phantom) in first vessel 10 and in second vessel 20, respectively. Conduits 70 and 71 may include flow control or flow-regulating devices 81 and 83, respectively, for example, valves, for instance, isolation valves. However, in one aspect, system 100 may include one or more alternative or additional conduits 74 and 75 (shown in phantom) adapted to communicate with first vessel 10 and second vessel 20, respectively, above the bottom 12 of vessel 10, for example, at, below, or above fluid levels 72 and 73, respectively.

According to this aspect of the invention, by introducing fluid from turbine manifold assembly 80 to vessels 10 and 20 below, at, or above levels 72 and 73, the flow of fluid into first vessel 10 and second vessel 20 is not opposed by the presence of static head of the fluid already present in vessels 10 and 20. When conduits 74 and 75 are used to introduce to vessels 10 and 20, flow-regulating devices 81 and 83 may be used to regulate, reduce, or eliminate the flow of fluid to the vessels 10 and 20. Accordingly, the use of one or more conduits 74 and 75 may reduce the energy requirements or the energy consumption of aspects of the invention.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2, system 100 may include one or more conduits 76 (shown in phantom) that places first vessel 10 in fluid communication with second vessel 20. According to one aspect of the invention, the one or more conduits 76 that communicate first vessel 10 with second vessel 20, for example, communicate the top 11 of vessel 10 with the top 21 of vessel 20, allows for the equalization of fluid pressure, for example, the rapid equalization of fluid pressure, between vessel 10 and vessel 20. In one aspect, the flow of fluid, for example, the flow of a gas, such as, substantially air, may be regulated and/or controlled by the use of one or more flow control devices 77, for example, one or more valves, positioned in the one or more conduits 76. According to this aspect of the invention, when it is desirable to vary the pressure in vessel 10 and/or in vessel 20 (though in one aspect, this variation in pressure may be effected by means of fluid pump 30), substantial equalization of the fluid pressure within vessels 10 and 20 may be obtained by opening valve 77 (which was previously closed) to allow fluid to pass from vessel 10 to vessel 20 or from vessel 20 to vessel 10, as desired. For example, according to one aspect of the invention, when the flow fluid from vessel 10 - having a relatively higher fluid pressure - to vessel 20 - having a relatively lower fluid pressure - via manifold 65 is to be reversed, previously closed valve 77 in conduit 76 may be at least partially opened to allow the higher pressure fluid in vessel 10 to vent to vessel 20 to at least partially provide a higher pressure to vessel 20, for example, with reduced need or no need to generate the higher pressure in vessel 20 by means of pump 30. Similarly, valve 77 in conduit 76 may be used to increase, for example, rapidly increase, the fluid pressure in vessel 10 by venting a higher fluid pressure in vessel 20 to vessel 10.

[0028] In another aspect of the invention, system 100 may also include one or more energy storage devices 82 and 84. According to this aspect of the invention, energy storage devices 82 and 84 may be adapted to receive, store, and discharge as needed at least some of fluid energy in vessels 10 and 20, for example, as transferred to and from manifold 65 according to aspects of the invention. According to aspects of the invention, energy storage devices 82 and 84 may allow system 100 and its components to function more uniformly or with less variation in pressure, for example, to accommodate undesirable pressure fluctuations and the like, for instance, due to fluctuations or loss of pressure in vessel 10 and/or vessel 20. For example, in one aspect, at least some of the fluid pressure present or generated in vessel 10 - according to aspects of the present invention - may be forwarded to storage device 82 via conduit 86, and then, when desired, the stored fluid energy in device 82 may be discharged from device 82 back to vessel 10 via conduit 86 and/or discharged to manifold 65 (and then typically to vessel 20) via conduits 87 and 70. Similarly, at least some of the fluid pressure present or generated in vessel 20 - according to aspects of the present invention - may be forwarded to storage device 84 via conduit 88, and then, when desired, the stored fluid energy in device 84 may be discharged from device 84 back to vessel 20 via conduit 88 and/or discharged to manifold 65 (and typically to vessel 10) via conduits 89 and 71. Storage devices 82 and 84 may each comprise one or more fluid energy storage devices. Storage devices 82 and 84 may be any type of conventional fluid storage devices adapted to operate as described. For example, storage devices 82 and 84 may comprise hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or mechanical (for example, spring biased) accumulators as known in the art, for example, having a flexible bladder or a rigid piston, for example, similar to the aspects of the invention disclosed herein shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, system 100 may be used to generate electrical power 92 for use as needed, for example, to power system 100 or to return electrical power to the local power grid (not shown). According to one aspect, as shown in FIGURE 2, electrical power 92 may also be forwarded to one or more power or energy storage devices 94, for example, one or more batteries or fuel cells, via electrical connection 96. As also shown in FIG. 2, electrical power 92 may be forwarded via electrical connection 96 to provide at least some electric power to pump 30 or to any other electoral power consumer in system 100. In addition, as shown in FIGURE 2, pump 30, or any other electoral power consumer in system 100, may receive at least some electrical power from one or more other electrical power sources 98, for example, one or more batteries, fuel cells, photovoltaic (PV) devices, and/or wind turbines, and the like, via electrical connection 99.

[0030] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and additional reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, embodiments of the first vessel 10 may optionally be separated or partitioned into at least two sectors or portions. For example, as shown n FIG. 3, embodiments of the first vessel 10 may include a first sector 13 and a second sector 14, wherein the first sector 13 and the second sector 14 can be separated by a separator, membrane, or bladder 16. The separator 16 may physically divide, not necessarily equally, the first sector 13 and the second sector 14, for example, to provide further stability and containment of the fluid (not shown) within the first vessel 10. In a first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the separator 16 may be flexible, such as an elastomeric or a rubber material, for instance, neoprene, a natural polymer, such as, polyisoprene rubber, or a synthetic polymer, such as, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic rubber, and a polyvinyl chloride, or an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, and the like. In this embodiment, as the fluid accumulates in the first vessel 10, the separator 16 may be displaced towards first end 11 or switch 15; position 16a of separator 16 depicts an embodiment of the separator 16 expanding due to fluid entering the first vessel 10, for example, through an opening in the bottom 12. Conversely, the separator 16 may displace downward in the depiction shown in FIG. 3 as the fluid is drawn out of the first vessel 10, for example, through an opening in the bottom 12, and the positive pressure, for example, is introduced into the first vessel 10; position 16b of separator 16 depicts an embodiment of the separator 16 expanding due to the positive pressure entering the first vessel 10, for example, through an opening in the top 11. Embodiments of the separator 16 may help prevent the fluid from sloshing around or mixing with the gas pressure, for example, air pressure, entering the first vessel 10.

[0031] In a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the separator 16 may be rigid or substantially inflexible, such as a metal plate or piston, and displace up and down similar to the flexible separator 16 described above. Specifically, a piston-like embodiment of separator 16 may move upward in the depiction shown in FIG. 4 as fluid enters the first vessel 10, for example, through an opening in the bottom 12, and may move downward in the depiction shown in FIG. 4 as positive pressure is introduced into the first vessel 10, for example, through an opening in the top 11. Embodiments of the piston-like separator 16 may include an annular seal or gasket 18 disposed within an annular recess of the separator 16 to create a physical seal between the first sector or portion 13 and the second sector or portion 14 by sealingly engaging the inner surface of the first vessel 10. Embodiments of the seal 18 may be comprised of an elastomeric material adapted to deform against the separator 16 and the inner surface of the first vessel 10. [0032] Referring back to FIGS, l and 2, embodiments of the power generation system 100 may include a second vessel 20. Embodiments of a second vessel 20 may be a container, a tank, a reservoir, receptacle, basin, bottle, an air-controlled vessel, and the like, configured to hold, store, contain, accept, etc., a volume of a fluid. The size, thickness, and dimensions of the second vessel 20 may depend on the application, such as the desired output of the turbine, or comparable power generator, and the amount of pressure produced within the second vessel 20. For instance, embodiments of the second vessel 20 may have various shapes and cross-sections, such as circular, rectangular, oval, cylindrical, egg-shaped, and the like, for example, to prevent collapse or explosion of the vessel 20. Moreover, embodiments of the second vessel 20 may be sealed and pressurized.

Embodiments of the second vessel 20 may be comprised of various materials, such as conductive and non-conductive materials, metals, composites, hard plastics, and the like, that are capable of pressurization and general withstanding of dynamic loads produced by the flowing fluids moving through the second vessel 20. Furthermore, embodiments of the second vessel 20 may have a first end 21 and a second end 22. The first end 21 may be in closer proximity to a pump 30 of system 100 than the second end 22, while the second end 22 may be in closer proximity to a turbine manifold assembly 80 of system 100.

Embodiments of the second vessel 20 may further include a sensor or a switch 25 proximate, at, or otherwise near the first end 21 of the second vessel 20 to monitor, sense, detect, determine, etc. a fluid level, a pressure, and/or a temperature within the second vessel 20, wherein the sensor or switch 25 may be configured to actuate and/or regulate the pump 30 or other component(s) of system 100.

[0033] Alternatively, or in addition to the sensor or switch 25, embodiments of the first vessel may include a sensor within the second vessel 20 to monitor, detect, control, report, analyze, etc. data about the fluid within the system 100, including the second vessel 20, such as a fluid level, a pressure, and/or a temperature. The sensor could also be configured to actuate and/or regulate the pump 30, or other component(s) of system 100. Even further, embodiments of the second vessel 20 may be equipped with a vacuum and pressure gauge or sensor to determine, monitor, and control the amount of positive and negative pressure within the second vessel 20, wherein the gauges(s) are in

communication with other sensors, gauges, switches, and the like of the system 100.

[0034] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and additional reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, embodiments of the second vessel 20 may optionally be separated or partitioned into at least two sectors or portions. For example, as shown n FIG. 5, embodiments of the second vessel 20 may include a first sector 23 and a second sector 24, wherein the first sector 23 and the second sector 24 can be separated by a separator membrane, or bladder 26. The separator 26 may physically divide, not necessarily equally, the first sector 23 and the second sector 24, for example, to provide further stability and containment of the fluid (not shown) within the second vessel 20. In a first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the separator 26 may be flexible, such as an elastomeric or a rubber material, neoprene, or one of the elastomeric materials of separator 16 mentioned above, and the like. In this embodiment, as the fluid accumulates in the second vessel 20, the separator 26 may be displaced towards first end 21 or switch 25; position 26a of separator 26 depicts an embodiment of the separator 26 expanding due to fluid entering the second vessel 20, for example, through an opening in the bottom 22. Conversely, the separator 26 may displace downward in the depiction shown in FIG. 5 as the fluid is drawn out of the second vessel 20, for example, through an opening in the bottom 22, and the positive pressure is introduced into the second vessel 20; position 26b of separator 26 depicts an embodiment of the separator expanding due to the positive pressure entering the second vessel 20, for example, through an opening in the top 21. Embodiments of the separator 26 may help prevent the fluid from sloshing around or mixing with the gas pressure, for example, air pressure, entering the second vessel 20. In a second

embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the separator 26 may be rigid or substantially inflexible, such as a metal plate or piston, and displace up and down similar to the flexible separator 26 described above. Specifically, a piston-like embodiment of separator 26 may move upward in the depiction shown in FIG. 6 as fluid enters the second vessel 20, for example, through an opening in the bottom 22, and may move downward in the depiction shown in FIG. 6 as positive pressure is introduced into the second vessel 20, for example, through an opening in the top 21. Embodiments of the piston-like separator 26 may include an annular a seal or gasket 28 disposed within an annular recess of the separator 26 to create a physical seal between the first sector or portion 23 and the second sector or portion 24 by sealingly engaging the inner surface of the second vessel 20.

Embodiments of the seal 28 may be comprised of an elastomeric material adapted to deform against the separator 26 and the inner surface of the second vessel 20.

[0035] As also shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, vessel 10 and vessel 20 may include one or more inlets 17 in communication with conduits 74 and/or conduits 75 shown in FIG. 2 adapted to introduce fluid from manifold 65 at a location above the bottom 12 of vessel 10 and/or above the bottom 22 of vessel 20, respectively, for example, at or above a fluid level (not shown) in vessel 10 and/or vessel 20 in FIG. 2. In addition, as also shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, vessel 10 and 20 may include an inlet/outlet 19 in communication with conduit 76 shown in FIG. 2 adapted to introduce and/or dispense fluid from vessel 10 and/or vessel 20, respectively, for example, to rapidly equalize pressure between vessel 10 and vessel 20, as desired.

[0036] Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 2, embodiments of system 100 may include a cooling unit 45 operatively connected to the first vessel 10, the second vessel 20, and/or the turbine manifold assembly 80 to regulate and maintain a consistent temperature of the fluid. Embodiments of system 100 may further include an accumulator tank 40 to collect an expansion of the fluid due to a temperature change, wherein the accumulator tank may be operatively connected to the first vessel 10 and the second vessel 20. Alternatively, one or more accumulator tanks 40 may be independently associated with the first vessel 10 and the second vessel 20. [0037] Referring back to FIGS, l and 2, embodiments of the power generation system 100 may include a pump 30. Embodiments of the pump 30 may be any device that can move fluids by a mechanical action. Embodiments of pump 30 may be a direct lift pump, displacement pump, or gravity pump, and may include at least one activating mechanism that either rotates, reciprocates, and/or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, pump 30 is an air pump. Other

embodiments of pump 30 may include a hydraulic pump. Furthermore, pump 30 may be powered by conventional means, such as a battery, gasoline engine, and/or electricity. However, embodiments of pump 30 may be powered through renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, among others. For instance, pump 30 may have an accumulator or other energy storage device to store energy or act as an energy multiplier. Additionally, pump 30 may be equipped with one or more pressure and vacuum sensors or gauges adapted to determine and control the proper amount of pressure or vacuum to be created in the first and second vessels 10, 20; the pressure and vacuum gauges may be mechanical or electronic, and may be in communication (for example,

communication through a computer system/network) with the motor of the pump 30 and any other sensor, gauge, switch, or actuator of system 100, 200. For a situation where an operation of the system 100, 200 may need to be halted quickly, pump 30 may also be equipped with one or more safety relief valves to shut down the pump 30 and prevent a further malfunction.

[0038] Furthermore, embodiments of pump 30 may be operatively connected to the first vessel 10 and the second vessel 20 to provide a positive pressure into the first vessel 10 and a negative pressure into the second vessel 20, and vice versa. In some embodiments, a plurality of pumps 30 may be operatively connected to the first and second vessel 10, 20. Operable connection between the pump 30 and the first vessel 10 may be through one or more fluid lines 35.

Similarly, operable connection between the pump 30 and the second vessel 20 may be through one or more fluid lines 36. In other words, operable connection between the pump 30 and the first and second vessel 10, 20 may refer to at least a fluid communication between the pump 30 and the first and second vessels 10, 20, respectively, to allow the creating of a positive and a negative pressure in the first and second vessel 10, 20. The fluid communication may be accomplished by the physical connections established by the one or more fluid lines 35, 36.

Embodiments of the fluid lines 35, 36 may be pipes, hoses, channels, conduits, fluid pathways, fluid conduits, and the like. Those having skill in the art should appreciate that various grades, sizes, thickness, diameters, industrial strengths, etc. of fluid lines 35, 36 may be required to successfully operate system 100, depending on the size of the vessels 10, 20, the volume of fluid required or used to operate system 100, and the pressure and dynamic loads exerted upon the fluid lines 35, 36. The lines 35, 36 can be structurally connected to pump 30 and the first vessel 10 and the second vessel 20, respectively, through conventional connectors, fasteners, and the like. Moreover, embodiments of the pump 30 may be operatively connected to the first vessel 10 through lines 35 proximate or otherwise near the first end 11 of the first vessel 10, and may be operatively connected to the second vessel 20 through lines 36 proximate or otherwise near the first end 21 of the second vessel 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid contained in the sealed vessels 10, 20 may never enter the pump 30 or lines 35, 36 because of maximum fluid levels in the vessels 10, 20 that could trigger a switch or electronic signal to shut down system 100, 200.

[0039] FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of system 200, wherein two or more pumps, such as pump 30, are independently connected to the first vessel 10 and the second vessel 20. Here, a first pump 231 can be operatively connected to the first vessel 210 to provide the positive and negative pressure into the first vessel 210, and a second pump 232 can be operatively connected to the second vessel 220 to provide the positive and negative pressure into the second vessel 220. Embodiments of system 200 may further include a turbine manifold assembly 280.

[0040] FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of system 300, wherein system 300 includes a plurality of sealed vessels 310, one or more pumps 330, one or more turbine manifold assemblies 380, and a plurality of fluid lines interconnecting the components. Embodiments of power generation system 100, 200, 300 may be large scale or small scale. An example of a large scale embodiment may be a plurality of sealed vessels 310 located underground proximate or underneath a house or structure and being operatively connected to one or more pumps 330 to provide energy for consumption of the inhabitants; any heat given off by the operation of the system 100, 200, 300 may also be captured, stored, and/or delivered to heat a home or other structure. An example of a small-scale application could be to run a generator or even charge a cellular phone battery, among other electrical devices. Further, embodiments of the system 100, 200, 300 could be contained, enclosed, supported, etc. by a frame or housing 500 shown in FIG. 8 to even further contain the system 100, 200, or 300, and for ease of transport or installation.

[0041] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, and with additional reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, embodiments of the power generation system 100 may include a turbine manifold assembly 80. Embodiments of the turbine manifold assembly 80 may include a turbine 50, a first directional flow valve 57 in fluid

communication with the turbine 50, and a second directional flow valve 58 in fluid communication with the turbine 50. Embodiments of the turbine 50, the first directional flow valve 57 and the second directional flow valve 58 may be housed within a housing or manifold 65, wherein the manifold is a structure having at least one fluid connection to the first vessel 10, 210, or 310 and at least one fluid connection to the second vessel 20, 220, or 310. Alternatively, the turbine 50 may be operatively connected to the manifold 65 but not housed entirely within the manifold 65. Embodiments of the fluid connection between the manifold 65 and the first and second vessel 10, 20 may be one or more fluid lines 70 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Embodiments of the fluid lines 70 may be pipes, hoses, channels, conduits, fluid pathways, fluid conduits, and the like. Those having skill in the art should appreciate that various grades, sizes, thickness, diameters, industrial strengths, etc. of fluid lines 70 may be required to successfully operate system 100, depending on the size of the vessels 10, 20, the volume of fluid required or used to operate system 100, and the pressure and dynamic loads exerted upon the fluid lines 70. The lines 70 can be structurally connected to the manifold assembly 65 and the first vessel 10 and the second vessel 20, respectively, through conventional connectors, fasteners, and the like.

[0042] Embodiments of the turbine 50 may be a mechanical device that can extract energy from a fluid flow and can convert it into useful work, including electrical work. Embodiments of turbine 50 may be a turbo machine with at least one moving part called a rotor assembly, which is a shaft or drum with blades attached. Here, as shown in FIG. 9A, moving fluid (not shown) flowing in a first direction 54 and a second direction 53 acts on the one or more blades of the turbine 50 so that the blades move and impart a rotational energy to the rotor of turbine 50, which may be operatively connected to a generator (not shown) to generate an electrical current for output and consumption.

[0043] Moreover, embodiments of the first directional flow valve 57 and the second directional flow valve 58 may be a device that regulates, controls, allows and/or prevents a flow of a fluid through the first fluid pathway 51 and the second fluid pathway 52 in either the first direction 54 or the second direction 53. In one embodiment, the first and second directional flow valves 57, 58 may include a biasing member 56, such as a spring or a hinge, to activate a flap portion 55, wherein the flap portion 55 can pivotally move to at least two positions, for example, an open position and a closed position, to regulate the flow of the fluid through the turbine manifold assembly 80. Other embodiments of the first and second directional flow valves 57, 58 may be a conventional shutoff valve.

Embodiments of the first and second directional flow valves 57, 58 may be hydraulic, pneumatic, solenoid, and/or motor operated.

[0044] With continued reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, embodiments of the first directional flow valve 57 may cooperate with the second directional flow valve 58 to create a first fluid pathway 51 for a fluid to enter the first vessel 10 (not shown) in a first direction 54, and a second fluid pathway 52 for fluid to enter the second vessel 20 (not shown) in an opposing second direction 53. Moreover, the turbine 50 may continuously rotate in a single direction R in FIGS. 9A and 9B as the fluid moves through the first pathway 51 in the first direction 54 and the second pathway 52 in the second direction 53. In other words, as fluid is drawn out of the first vessel 10 and into the second vessel 20 through actuation of the pump 30, both the first directional flow valve 57 and the second directional flow valve 58 operate to close/prevent the flow of fluid through the first pathway 51 in the first direction 54, as shown in FIG. 9A. Conversely, the operation of the first and second directional flow valves 57, 58 to close/prevent the flow of the fluid through the first pathway 51 and opens the flow of the fluid through the second pathway 52 in the second direction 53, as shown in FIG. 9B. This operation may be reversed to complete a cycle, as will be described in detail below.

[0045] With reference to FIGS. 1 through 9B, the manner in which power is generated through operation of the power generation system 100, 200, 300 will now be described. A body or volume of fluid, such as water, gas, air, oil, or a combination thereof, may be pressurized in the system 100, 200, 300. The components of system 100, 200, 300 may be a single, contained, pressured system. The volume of fluid may originally be located, stored, contained, etc., between the first and second vessel 10, 20. In one embodiment, the first or second sealed vessel 10, 20 may be filled to a maximum level, while the other sealed vessel remains substantially empty or at a low fluid level, at the start of a cycle. In other embodiments, each of the first and second sealed vessels 10, 20 are filled with the fluid at approximately equal fluid levels, at the start of the cycle. A cycle can refer to when the fluid has passed once through the turbine 50 in FIGS. 9A and 9B in the first direction 54 and then once in the second direction 53 in the turbine manifold assembly 80. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that a cycle may be measured in a reverse direction or even by more than one pass through the turbine 50. Moreover, system 100, 200, 300 may incorporate various starting fluid levels in both the first vessel 10 and the second vessel 20, and may set various pre-determined fluid levels during operation.

[0046] Once the system 100, 200, 300 is in operational condition (for example, fluid has been filled in the vessels 10, 20, the turbine 50 is properly connected to a power source generator, etc.), a pump 30, or a plurality of pumps 30, 231 can be activated to create a positive pressure in the first vessel 10 or the second vessel 20. For example purposes, the operation of system 100, 200, 300 will be described as first creating a positive pressure in the first vessel 10. Thus, when pump 30 creates a positive pressure in the first vessel 10, the fluid contained within the first vessel 10 is forced/drawn out of the first vessel 10 through lines 70 connecting the first vessel 10 to the turbine manifold assembly 80 and into the manifold 65 through the first fluid pathway 51 (see FIG. 9A) in a first direction 54, rotating the turbine 50 in direction R as the fluid passes through, and exiting the manifold 65 through the lines 71 (see FIG. 1) connecting the manifold 65 and the second vessel 20 to a predetermined or maximum fluid level in the second vessel 20. One or more sensors located inside the second vessel 20 or switch 25 of the second vessel 20 may detect the maximum fluid level and/or a predetermined fluid level, such that once the volume of fluid reaches the predetermined or maximum level in the second vessel 20, the one or more sensors and/or switch 25 communicates to the pump(s) 30 to activate and reverse the flow of the fluid by now creating a positive pressure in the second vessel 20 and a negative pressure in the first vessel 10. Creating a positive pressure in the second vessel 20 may now force the fluid at the predetermined level or maximum level from the second vessel 20 through the lines 71 and into the manifold 65 via the second fluid pathway 52 (see FIG. 9B) in an opposing second direction 53, rotating the turbine 50 in direction R as the fluid passes through, and exiting the manifold 65 through the lines 70 and reentering the first vessel to a predetermined or maximum fluid level to complete the cycle. One or more sensors located inside the first vessel 10 and/or switch 15 of the first vessel 10 may detect the maximum fluid level and a predetermined fluid level, such that once the volume of fluid reaches the predetermined or maximum level in the first vessel 10, the one or more sensors and/or switch 15 communicates to the pump(s) 30 to activate and reverse the flow of the fluid by now creating a positive pressure in the first vessel 10 and a negative pressure in the second vessel 20 to restart a new cycle. Further, operation/cooperation of the first and second directional flow valves 57, 58 can ensure, allow, regulate, etc. that the fluid flows in the correct pathways to reach the first and second vessels 10, 20 in the most efficient and least resistant path. Each of the first and second directional flow valves 57, 58 may be in communication (for example, through a computer system/network) with the switch 15, 25 and/or the one or more sensors to control the mechanical movement of the flow valves 57, 58.

[0047] As noted above, the fluid used in aspects of the present invention, for example, the fluid provided by pump 30 and/or transferred through manifold 65 may be a gas, for example, air, nitrogen, or a noble gas; or a liquid, for example, water or an oil. The fluid may include appropriate conditioners and/or modifiers to enhance operation and/or minimize fouling or damage to the system. For example, when water is used, the water may include an antifreeze. Other advantageous additives and conditioners will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

[0048] Accordingly, the system of power generation 100, 200, 300 utilizes a positive pressure and a negative pressure in a contained system 100, 200, 300 to create a continuous flow of a fluid in a first direction 54 and an opposing second direction 53 to generate an electrical energy or current, wherein the continuous flow of the fluid in the first direction 54 and the opposing second direction 53 rotates a turbine 50 in a single direction R to generate the electrical current; the turbine 50 can be continuously rotating regardless of the direction of the flow of the fluid. Thus, the pressure in system 100, 200, 300 may be an artificial pressure, as opposed to an atmospheric pressure or elevational pressure.

[0049] With reference to FIGS. 1 through 9B, an embodiment of a method of power generation may include the steps of providing a first vessel 10, a second vessel 20, a pump 30, and a turbine manifold assembly 80, wherein the first vessel 10 and the second vessel 20 are operatively connected to the turbine manifold assembly 80, and creating a positive pressure in the first vessel 10 and a negative pressure in the second vessel 20 to force a fluid in a first direction 54 through the turbine manifold assembly 80 and into the second vessel 20 to a predetermined fluid level or pressure, and after the fluid reaches the pre-determined fluid level or pressure in the second vessel 20, creating a positive pressure in the second vessel 20 and a negative pressure in the first vessel 10 to force the fluid in an opposing second direction 53 through the turbine manifold assembly 80 and back into the first vessel 10 to complete a cycle. The fluid passing through the turbine manifold assembly 80 in the first direction 54 and the opposing second direction 53 may mechanically drive a turbine 50, such as through

rotation/movement of one or more blades of the turbine 50, of the turbine manifold assembly 80 in a single direction R, which substantially continuously rotates a mechanical shaft or rotor of the turbine manifold assembly 80 to generate an electrical current, for example, in a generator 90. These steps may be repeated, or the cycle, may be repeated for substantially continuous generation of power by the movement of fluids through a contained, pressured system using a pump, such as an air pump.

[0050] While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as required by the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A power generation system (100, 200, 300) comprising: a first vessel (10, 210); a second vessel (20, 220); a pump (30, 231, 232) operatively connected to the first vessel and the second vessel; and a turbine manifold assembly (80, 280) operatively connected to the first vessel and the second vessel; wherein the pump creates a positive pressure in the first vessel to force a fluid in a first direction (53) through the turbine manifold assembly and into the second vessel; and wherein, once the fluid reaches a pre-determined level in the second vessel, the pump creates a positive pressure in the second vessel to force the fluid in an opposing second direction (54) through the turbine manifold assembly and back into the first vessel to complete a cycle.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: an accumulator tank (40) adapted to collect an expansion of the fluid due to a temperature change, the accumulator tank operatively connected to the first vessel and the second vessel.

3. The system as recited in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a cooling unit (45) operatively connected to the turbine manifold assembly adapted to regulate and maintain a temperature of the fluid.

4. The system as recited in any one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the fluid passing through the turbine manifold assembly in the first direction (54) and the second direction (53) mechanically drives a turbine (50) of the turbine manifold assembly in a single direction, which continuously rotates a mechanical shaft of the turbine manifold assembly to generate an electrical current.

5. The system as recited in any one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the fluid is at least one of a liquid and a gas.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the liquid is at least one of water and an oil.

7. The system as recited in any one of claims 1 through 6, wherein the power generation system is contained and the positive pressures and the negatives pressures created by the pump are artificially created and not an atmospheric pressure.

8. The system as recited in any one of claims 1 through 7, wherein the pump is an air pump.

9. The system as recited in any one of claims 1 through 8, wherein the pump is a hydraulic pump.

10. The system as recited in any one of claims 1 through 9, wherein the cycle is repeated.

11. A power generation system (100, 200, 300) comprising: a first vessel (10, 210); a second vessel (20, 220); a first pump (231) operatively connected to the first vessel; a second pump (232) operatively connected to the second vessel; and a turbine manifold (80, 280) assembly operatively connected to the first vessel and the second vessel; wherein the first pump (231) creates a positive pressure in the first vessel to force a fluid in a first direction (53) through the turbine manifold assembly and into the second vessel; and wherein, once the fluid reaches a pre-determined level in the second vessel, a positive pressure is created in the second vessel by the second pump (232) to force the fluid in a second direction (54) through the turbine manifold assembly and back into the first vessel to complete a cycle.

12. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein the fluid passing through the turbine manifold assembly in the first direction and the second direction mechanically drives a turbine (50) of the turbine manifold assembly in a single direction, which continuously rotates a mechanical shaft of the turbine manifold assembly to generate an electrical current.

13. The system as recited in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the cycle is repeated.

14. A method of power generation comprising: utilizing a positive pressure and a negative pressure in a contained system (100, 200, 300) to create a continuous flow of a fluid in a first direction (54) and an opposing second direction (53) to generate an electrical current; wherein the continuous flow of the fluid in the first direction and the opposing second direction rotates a turbine (50) in a single direction to generate the electrical current.

15. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising: supplying a constant amount of fluid.

16. The method as recited in claim 14 or claim 15, further comprising: directing the continuous flow of the fluid in the first direction and the opposing second direction by activating one or more directional flow valves (57, 58) .

17. The method as recited in any one of claims 14 through 16, wherein a rotation of the turbine in the single direction rotates a mechanical shaft operatively connected to the turbine.

18. The method as recited in any one of claims 14 through 17, wherein the positive pressure and the negative pressure are created within a first vessel and a second vessel by one or more pumps.

19. A method of power generation comprising: providing a first vessel (10, 210), a second vessel (20, 220), a pump (30, 231, 232), and a turbine manifold assembly (80, 280), wherein the first vessel and the second vessel are operatively connected to the turbine manifold assembly; creating a positive pressure in the first vessel and a negative pressure in the second vessel to force a fluid in a first direction (54) through the turbine manifold assembly and into the second vessel to a pre-determined level; and after the fluid reaches the pre-determined level in the second vessel, creating a positive pressure in the second vessel in the first vessel to force the fluid in an opposing direction (53) through the turbine manifold assembly and back into the first vessel to complete a cycle.

20. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein the fluid passing through the turbine manifold assembly in the first direction and the opposing second direction mechanically drives a turbine (50) of the turbine manifold assembly in a single direction, which continuously rotates a mechanical shaft of the turbine manifold assembly to generate an electrical current.

21. The method as recited in claim 19 or claim 20, further comprising: repeating the cycle.

22. The system as recited in any one of claims 1 through 10, wherein the turbine manifold assembly is operatively connected to at least one of the first vessel and the second vessel at a location above a bottom (12, 22) of at least one of the first vessel and the second vessel.

23. The system as recited in claim 22, wherein the location above the bottom of at least one of the first vessel and the second vessel comprises a location at or above a fluid level (72, 73).

24. The system as recited in any one of claims 1 through 10, wherein the system further comprises at least one conduit (76) communicating the first vessel with the second vessel to directly transfer pressure between the first vessel and the second vessel.

25. The system as recited in claim 24, wherein the system further comprises a flow control device (77) positioned in the least one conduit communicating the first vessel with the second vessel.

26. The system as recited in any one of claims 1 through 10, wherein the system further comprises at least one fluid pressure storage device (82, 84) in fluid communication with the turbine manifold assembly and with at least one of the first vessel and the second vessel.

27. The system as recited in claim 26, wherein the at least one fluid pressure storage device comprises an accumulator.

28. A turbine manifold assembly comprising: a turbine (50); a first directional flow valve (57) in fluid communication with the turbine; and a second directional flow valve (58) in fluid communication with the turbine; wherein the first directional flow valve cooperates with the second directional flow valve to create: a first pathway (70) for a fluid to enter a first vessel (10, 210) in a first direction, and a second pathway (71) for fluid to enter a second vessel (20, 220) in an opposing second direction; wherein the turbine continuously rotates in a single direction as the fluid moves through the first pathway and the second pathway.

29. The turbine manifold assembly as recited in claim 28, wherein the turbine is housed within a manifold assembly (80, 280).

30. The turbine manifold assembly as recited in claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the first directional flow valve and the second directional flow valve each include a biasing member (56) adapted to activate a flap portion (55), wherein the flap portion is connected to a pivot member adapted to move the flap portion to an open position and a closed position.